A tragic shooting at a nightclub in Amarillo, Texas, left one person dead and eight others injured early Sunday morning, according to local police. The incident occurred at approximately 2:05 a.m. at a club on S. Polk Street and stemmed from an earlier altercation inside the venue.
Details of the Shooting
According to a press release from the Amarillo Police Department, emergency dispatchers received multiple calls reporting gunfire outside the nightclub. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found nine individuals who had been shot. Six were transported to the hospital by ambulance, while others sought medical treatment via private vehicles.
One of the victims, identified as 25-year-old John Love Louima, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the hospital. The conditions of the other victims are currently unknown but are described as being in “various stages of medical treatment.”
Suspects Arrested After Civilian Action
The shooting unfolded when a car approached the nightclub’s entrance, and a passenger exited the vehicle, opening fire on a large crowd outside the venue. The gunman then returned to the car, which sped away.
A civilian witness followed the fleeing vehicle and alerted police, ultimately leading to the arrest of three suspects:
- Robert Kenney Knox, 23
- Nahryah Hilesta Ines Hayes, 21
- A third individual, whose name has not been released, was in the backseat of the car.
Knox and Hayes have been charged with murder and eight counts of “deadly conduct/discharge of a firearm.” The third suspect was charged with public intoxication.
Incident Stems From Bar Altercation
Authorities believe the shooting was triggered by a dispute inside the nightclub. The suspects reportedly left the bar after the altercation and returned shortly afterward, initiating the violent attack.
Community Reacts to Violence
The shooting has left the Amarillo community in shock. Police commended the civilian who followed the suspects’ vehicle, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in aiding investigations.
Amarillo Police are continuing their investigation and have asked anyone with additional information or video footage of the incident to come forward.
The tragic events in Amarillo highlight the devastating consequences of gun violence, leaving one dead and eight injured in a senseless act. Authorities are working to bring justice to the victims and prevent future incidents of this nature.
